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Housekeeping

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Original poster

Lost interest in our house but can't move yet

13 replies

Readybrek999 · 03/01/2023 12:25

We've lived in our house for 30 years and had almost everything replaced and updated in the first 5 - 10 years and it has served us well.
We will be looking to downsize to a different area in about 5 years hopefully and don't want the cost or stress of a move before then.
I've completely lost interest in this house. It needs some jobs doing but I keep thinking it's not worth spending the money so everything is feeling a bit shabby.
It does need a good declutter which i guess will help but it's starting to feel like some of my parents friends' houses when the adult kids bedrooms are stuck in time and just used for storage etc.
Any words of wisdom or does anyone else feel like this too?
We live in an area where houses sell quickly so it's not that it feels like we would be helping a future sale by doing decorating etc.

OP posts:
PritiPatelsMaker · 04/01/2023 15:35

If you're not thinking of moving for another 10 years, that's a long time to live somewhere that you're not happy.

Could you give one room, like your bedroom a really good declutter and then think about decorating it?

What jobs have you got that you're putting off?

SalviaOfficinalis · 04/01/2023 15:39

I would start with decluttering. Pick one room, go through everything and ask yourself if you would go to the effort of packing it and unpacking it when you move. If the answer is no, then get rid of it.

Freecycle is great for getting rid of things, especially bulky things as people will collect.

Shunkleisshiny · 04/01/2023 15:44

Pretend that your house is on the market, and viewings have been booked so you feel motivated to have a good fettle. Always makes me get my arse into gear!

Original poster
Readybrek999 · 04/01/2023 16:01

Thanks for the replies.
Other things that need doing:
New boiler needs boxing in.
Most rooms need repainting - we're not great at this but I could probably do the smaller rooms but not the living room or kitchen.
Handles on some doors have come off
Shower cubicle needs regrouting and resealing.
Adult kids' rooms look abandoned and haven't been repurposed.

I think we would be looking to move in 5 years.

The advice to declutter and start getting ready is helpful - I think I needed a kick up the backside to stop moaning and get on with it!

OP posts:
PritiPatelsMaker · 04/01/2023 17:41

Fixing the handles and doing the regrouting will make it mush nicer to live in @Readybrek999

Sometimes you don't realise how much things are getting on your nerves until you've fixed them and if they need doing before you put it on the market, you might as well do it now Wink

Original poster
Readybrek999 · 04/01/2023 21:33

@PritiPatelsMaker I know - you're right!

Another irritation is misted up upvc windows.

OP posts:
RandomMess · 04/01/2023 21:35

Get your windows else buyers will think they all need complete replacement and try to deduct £££

Begoniasforever · 04/01/2023 21:35

5 years is a long time to live like that, and the worse it gets rhe more unhappy you will be.

RewildingAmbridge · 04/01/2023 21:37

We got a Vileda window vac, best thing I've bought in ages.

PollyPeePants · 04/01/2023 21:40

Readybrek999 · 04/01/2023 16:01

Thanks for the replies.
Other things that need doing:
New boiler needs boxing in.
Most rooms need repainting - we're not great at this but I could probably do the smaller rooms but not the living room or kitchen.
Handles on some doors have come off
Shower cubicle needs regrouting and resealing.
Adult kids' rooms look abandoned and haven't been repurposed.

I think we would be looking to move in 5 years.

The advice to declutter and start getting ready is helpful - I think I needed a kick up the backside to stop moaning and get on with it!

None of this is bog or expensive - do it, you will feel much better about the place

PritiPatelsMaker · 05/01/2023 08:03

Another irritation is misted up upvc windows

Honestly, I'd get quotes for having them repaired. You'll feel so much better and that's something that needs doing before you sell Wink

Original poster
Readybrek999 · 05/01/2023 19:30

Thank you everyone. I needed a nudge.
I'm going to start with a big declutter and get the little jobs done.
Then get some of the bigger jobs done as a 'reward'.
Writing it down made me realise I was probably procrastinating so will now try and get some stuff done!

OP posts:
watchfulwishes · 05/01/2023 19:34

Readybrek999 · 04/01/2023 16:01

Thanks for the replies.
Other things that need doing:
New boiler needs boxing in.
Most rooms need repainting - we're not great at this but I could probably do the smaller rooms but not the living room or kitchen.
Handles on some doors have come off
Shower cubicle needs regrouting and resealing.
Adult kids' rooms look abandoned and haven't been repurposed.

I think we would be looking to move in 5 years.

The advice to declutter and start getting ready is helpful - I think I needed a kick up the backside to stop moaning and get on with it!

Well going against the grain, and if you are happy to get started then go for it, but I'd sack it off. I lived for years in a house I didn't give a shit about before finally moving. It is great really because you can invest your time in something more interesting. Who cares if the paint is a bit dated?

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